Newly commissioned U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Lt.s and U.S. Navy ensigns toss their covers at the conclusion of the U.S. Naval Academy’s Class of 2023 graduation ceremony, Navy-Marine Corps Stadium, Annapolis, Md., May 26, 2023. (Chad J. McNeeley/Department of Defense)
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Tribune News Service) — The U.S. Naval Academy’s Commissioning Week, which concludes with graduation on Friday, is full of traditions, some borne by the 179-year-old institution, others by midshipmen themselves.
Read on to learn some of the history and customs of Commissioning Week, the Herndon Monument Climb, the Color Parade, the Blue Angels and the graduation ceremony, including the hat toss.
Commissioning Week
The Naval Academy was founded in 1845 but didn’t graduate its first class until June 10, 1854. It wasn’t until 1850 that a four-year course of study was adopted. In 1979, what had been known as June Week was renamed Commissioning week because graduation was moved to May. It was not until 1912 that officers were commissioned on graduation day. This year’s Commissioning Week started May 17 and concludes on Friday.
U.S. Naval Academy freshmen, or plebes, climb the Herndon monument, a tradition symbolizing the successful completion of the midshipmen’s freshman year. The class of 2027 completed the climb in 2 hours, 19 minutes and 11 seconds on May 15, 2024. (Stacy Godfrey/U.S. Navy)
Herndon Monument Climb
The Herndon Monument was erected in 1860 in memory of Commander William Lewis Herndon, who went down with his ship, the steamer Central America, in a storm off coast of North Carolina in 1857. The 21-foot monument is climbed by the plebes before they become midshipmen. In 1949, the tradition of greasing the monument began and in 1962 the tradition of replacing the plebe hat with a midshipman hat began as a kickoff to graduation events. This year’s climb was completed in 2 hours, 19 minutes.
Color Parade
Thursday marks the final dress parade of the school year, held on Worden Field. The Color Parade, where the entire brigade marches to patriotic songs played by the U.S. Naval Academy Band, began in 1867. A company that has shown excellence in academics, athletics and professional accomplishments is presented with the color company pennant by the brigade commander, superintendent and a color honoree selected by the winning company’s commander.
U.S. Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, perform a show in F/A-18 Super Hornets at the U.S. Naval Academy during commissioning week, May 22, 2024, in Annapolis, Md. (Carmen Caver/U.S. Coast Guard)
Blue Angels
Formed in 1946 to promote naval aviation and boost Navy morale, the Blue Angels flight exhibition team began flying during during Commissioning Week in 1949, when it was known as June Week. The smoke trailing the planes is produced by pumping biodegradable, paraffin-based oil into aircrafts’ exhausts, helping spectators follow the action and enhancing safety for pilots.
Graduation ceremony
This year’s graduation ceremony begins with the procession of midshipmen at 9 a.m. Friday at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III is the keynote speaker. President Joe Biden spoke last year. President James A Garfield was first president to speak at a Naval Academy graduation, in 1881. The keynote speaker role is usually rotated among the president; vice president; and the secretary of defense, head of the Joint Chiefs, or the secretary of the Navy.
Graduates receive bachelor of science degrees and commissions as ensigns in the Navy or second lieutenants in the Marine Corps. They sing the Naval Academy’s alma mater, “Navy Blue and Gold.”
Navy Blue and Gold Third Verse
Four years together by the Bay,Whеre Severn joins thе tide,Then by the Service called away,We’re scattered far and wide;But still when two or three shall meet,And old tales be retold,From low to highest in the Fleet,We’ll pledge the Blue and Gold.
Hat toss
The 1st class midshipmen lead three cheers for “those who are about to leave us.” The new graduates respond with “three cheers for those left behind,” led by the president of the class. On the final “Hooray!” of the cheer, the graduates toss their hats, which started as a spontaneous gesture by the Class of 1912. The hats are recovered by audience members and often have notes or a memento in them.
Have a story idea about Baltimore or Maryland history or a question that might lead to one? Email researcher Paul McCardell at pmccardell@baltsun.com.
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